John Peel 1939–2004

John Peel has died. This brings me great sadness. A legend if ever there was one, Peel’s gentle patter and eclectic (and loud) music kept me company through many a long drive and Winter evening. The whole point of John Peel’s radio shows were freedom – freedom from playlists; from the mainstream; from convention.

I had the pleasure of meeting John at Maida Vale studios when I won a ticket to see Cinerama recording a session – he was as modest and charming as listeners to his shows would expect. I’ll miss him and his shows greatly.